Music.
My space here is devoted to it.
Each and every month I write about things I hear – things that move me, or at least rattle my aural cage.
This month I want to tell you about something that did just that, but it’s not music.
I had an opportunity to witness something called The Monologue Show. Award-winning super teacher Michael Rossi is responsible for the show’s production, which gives students a forum to sound off about their deepest thoughts or passions, or even express themselves through music or comedy.
Neuqua’s Black Box Theater was filled with stunned parents as their young adults bravely stepped up on stage and told the audience about their struggles with family, social life, racial tension, drugs, homosexuality, and more. This Monologue Show gives these kids the freedom to express themselves in ways that they would never have the chance otherwise. It gives them an audience of parents, a group that can occasionally fall out of touch with teens, and provides them with an insight into the souls of these precious young people.
I walked out of this show with tears on my face and more than a few thoughts in my head. There are stories that will stay with me for a lifetime, and I just might see some things a bit differently. The key word here is expression. Our kids need to express themselves. They need to be heard and taken seriously. It could save their lives.
I personally think Mr. Rossi is doing a service to our entire community with this show, and it’s the most important thing we have for our students.
